SANTA CLARA, CA – OmniVision Technologies, Inc. released the OV9284, a 1-megapixel global shutter image sensor, conducive for in-cabin camera modules in passenger vehicles, where driver state monitoring (DSM) and passenger-monitoring cameras are required to be miniscule and non-distracting, while adhering to strict safety regulations.

DSM is used in semiautonomous vehicles to track the driver’s field of vision and allow the car to kick into control mode when the driver becomes distracted or too sleepy. It is only available in high-end cars, but will be rolled out in mainstream vehicles in the next few years.

The OV9284 includes the industry’s best near-infrared (NIR) quantum efficiency (QE) in a driver-monitoring image sensor, which consumes only 90mW of power at 60 frames per second (fps). Moreover, the high-speed global shutter sensor with OmniPixel3-GS technology provides 1280 x 800 resolution at video speeds of up to 120 fps.

“Upcoming mandates will require that all vehicles sold in the EU come equipped with driver-state monitoring, beginning with 2022 models,” said Thilo Rausch, OmniVision’s product marketing manager. “The OV9284 is the industry’s first image sensor with the right balance of cost effectiveness, high-quality imaging and advanced features, meeting the needs of the mainstream automotive market.”